Parking meter and coin slot therefor



SW3@ @9 @49 w. J. HERSQHELDE ETT/L 294%9423 IARKING METER NDCOIN SLGTTHEREFOR @riginal Filed May 27, 3,938

4 smei-shee-t .1

R. T mff NH? MMM Sept' 6, 1949. w. J. HERSCHEDE ET AL 2,481,423

PARKING METER AND COIN SLOT THEREFOR original Filed May 27, 1938 4lSheets-Sheet 2 .fa/ wwf ffl @9 1%@ w. J. Hamm-MDE ET AL 2943394323PARKING' METER AND COIN SLOT THEREFOR original Filed may 27, 195s vSmets-sheet s //74 Y /79 5d/77 ffm! THE/K A ORNEY.

Sept 6, 1949 w. J. HERscHEDE ET AL 2,481,423

PARKING METER AND COIN SLOT THEREFOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed May27. 1938 gmc/WWU W/LL/AM For HERscf-/EDE WALTER J HERscH/fne W/LL/AM N.WOODRUFF Patented Sept. 6, 1949 PARKING METER AND COIN SLOT THEREFORWalter J. Herschedc, Cincinnati, William Foy Herschede, Forestville, andWilliam N. Woodrul, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignors to InternationalVehicular Parking, Ltd., a corporation of Delaware Application March 10,1942, Serial No. 434,138, now Patent No. 2,433,453, dated December 30,1947, which is a division of application ySerial No. 210,504, May 27,1938, now Patent No. 2,289,838, dated July 14, 1942. Divided and thisapplication May 1, 1945, Serial No. 591,306

Claims. (Cl. 161-15) This application for patent is a division of ourcopending application Serial No. 434,138, filed March 10, 1942, nowPatent No. 2,433,453, dated December 30, 1947, entitled Parking meterand coin slot therefor, which in turn is a division of Patent 2,289,838of July 14, 1942, and the invention relates to parking meters of thegeneral character adapted for mounting or positioning at intervals alongroadways or streets, and which include timing mechanism andcoin-controlled apparatus cooperating with the timing mechanism, forinitiating operation of the timing mechanism oi the parking meter.

An object of the invention is to provide timing mechanism in conjunctionwith a coin slot, of such character and structure that same may behandled as a unit in mounting and demounting same in a suitable housingprovided for receiving and protecting the said mechanisms from theelements and the curious persons who might otherwise tamper therewith.

Another object is to provide a device of the character indicated, inwhich the various parts, when inactive, are relieved of all stress orstrain attributable to the use of a clock spring or the equivalenttherewith, for use as motive power.

These and other objects may be attained by the means described hereinand illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view showing one side of a device embodying theinvention and mounted on a customary standard.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmental sectional view on line 2-2 of Fig. 1,showing the front wall only.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged iragmental sectional view of the device showingthe rear wall only.

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the clock mechanism disposed Within thecasing, and showing that side 'thereof that is exposed at that portionof the housing shown in Fig. 1, when the detachable door or panel, shownin Fig. l is removed.

Fig. 5 is a view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4, but observed from therear thereof, part of the coin slot mechanism having been removed.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the device shown in Fig. 5, partsbeing omitted.

Fig. 7 is a fragmental end elevational view of parts shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 6, partsbeing omitted.

Like reference characters denote like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

Considering now more particularly a device in accordance with ourinvention, attention is directed to the drawings. In referring to partsof the device (see Figs. 1, 2 and 3), reference will be made to the face30 of the casing or housing 3i as the front of the device and theopposite outer face 32 thereof will be referred to as the rear of thedevice. Such terminology is used merely for facilitating description andnot for the purpose of limitation, particularly so because to somepersons it might appear that the face .3 should properly be called therear or back of the device. Y

A large opening 33 (Fig. 1) is provided in the front face or wall 30,for which a removable door or panel `34 is provided. Access to theinterior of the casing, by way of the said large opening 33, permitsaccess to the instrumentalities that control attachment and detachmentof a coin slot cover plate 35 (see Fig. 3) which serves as a detachableclosure or panel for the opening 35 in the rear face or Wall 32 of thehousing 3l. The detachable pane1 or plate 35 permits ready access, toauthorized persons, to the coin slot mechanism 'for servicing same asmay be necese sary from time to time by reason of introduction ofarticles and substances, other than coins, into the coin slot mechanismand which may interfere with proper functioning of the coin slotmechanism. A detailed explanation of the mounting of the coin slot coverplate will be given later.

The front wall of the housing, in addition to said large opening 33, isprovided with a smaller opening 31 for which a hinged door 38 isprovided. The hinged door controls access to the lower portion of theinternal chamber 45 in the housing and in which section of the internalchamber, the coins are collected and from which an authorized person mayremove same, without disturbing any other parts of the device. Suitablelock controlled means are provided at 33v and 40 for controlling accessby way of the panel 34 and door 38, to the interior of the housing orcasing 3|. Suitable bolts 4| and 42, assoelated with customary drums ofkey controlled tumbler type locks, are provided for bolting or lockingthe panel and door to the casing wall adjacent such panel and door.

Windows 63 'and 64 (seeFigs. 1 and 3) are provided at the front and rearof the device, and through each of which a signal device or flag 65, t3is observable. The one window is provided in the panel Silland the otheris provided in the casing wall. y The signals are adapted to cooperatewith various other parts of the meter mechanism in a manner, forpurposes explained later.

A suitable shank 61 is formed at the lower end of the housing 3|,whereby to permit mounting of the device on a suitable standard, in anysuitable manner.

The meter mechanism comprises a clock mechanism which may be of anysuitable construction. Essentially, it comprises a spring motor, anescapement and a suitable gear train. Means are provided whereby theclock mechanism may be rendered operative upon introduction of a propercoin or token into the device and also for rendering the clock mechanisminoperative after a determinable period of time, as well as foractuating the signals and signal operating parts from the clock motor.

The front and rear plates (Fig. 6) are held in spaced relation bycustomary means, for example, suitable studs such as 83, with whichsuitable screws 840 cooperate, in accordance with customary practice.The upper ends of the plates, at the outer corners thereof are securedto in- Verted T-shaped brackets 84 and 85 (see Fig. 4). The bracketsserve as supports for the shaft or axle 86 for the signals 65 and 66.Each signal comprises a white plate or panel and a red plate or panel.These panels are so related and connected that while the signals maymove about the horizontal axle or axis 86, the signal panels ofidentical color are exposed at the windows at the front and back of thecasing. The plates or panels 81, 88, 89 and 90, are graduated toindicate periods cf time, and are adapted to cooperate with an indicator9| (see also Fig. 5), comprising a pair of lingers 92 and 93, forshowing the elapsed time of meter operation (see Fig. 8). When theestablished period of parking time has elapsed, the red panels are movedto positions adjacent the fingers for visibly indicating that theparking time is being exceeded. At other times, during operation of thedevice, the white panels are positioned adjacent the fingers. Thismatter of two color signals and their operation, as generally relatedwill be explained in more detail hereafter. It is in order, however, tostate the movement of the signals on their axis is accomplished (seealso Fig. 7) by means of linkage including a bracket 94 secured to axleor shaft 86 and link 95 having at its upper end a pivoted connectionwith bracket 94 in offset or eccentric relation to the axis of axle orshaft 86. The lower end of link 95 is connected with a lever |08, ofsuitable actuating mechanism, explained later (see Fig. 8), forsynchronized operation of the signals with the other parts of the metermechanism.

The spring motor Winding stem 46 (see Figs. 4 and 6) is associated withthe customary clock spring barrel, ratchet, etc., whereby the woundspring within the barrel 96 operates a gear train indicated generally at91, the last element 8| of which is any one of various customaryescapements, shown in detail in Fig. 4. Coupled with the gear train (seealso Fig. 8) is a pair of gears 98 and 99. These gears 98 and 99 aremounted cn the same shaft or axle and are identical, except that onegear is loose on the shaft and the other is xed to the shaft. The tWogears 98 and 99 may be locked together and for that purpose there isprovided an idler gear |0I. The idler gear |0| is rotatably mounted on apivoted lever |02, and falls into engagement With gears 98 and 99 underthe action of gravity, the positioning of gear |0| and its supportinglever being actuated from the motor train in a manner that will beexplained. As exemplified herein, the gear 98 is xed to shaft |00, as isalso the gear |93. The gear 99, integral with gear |04 is loose orfreely revoluble upon shaft |00, except when the idler gear |0| is inmesh with it, and at which time the gears 98 and 99 are locked formovement together. The gear |04 receives power from gear |05 in powertrain 91. The gear |03 (see Fig. 8) and the gear 98 are fixed to shaft|00. Gears |84 and 99 are fixed together on a hollow shaft rotatable onshaft |0|. Gear |03 is engaged by the gear segment |06 carrying theindicator 9|. A pin |01 (see Fig. 8), carried by gear segment |06, isadapted to actuate a lever |08 (see also Fig. 6) which is pivoted on theaxle or shaft |09 and on which shaft the segmental gear |06 is xedlymounted. The end of lever |08, remote from the end thereof that isadapted to contact pin |01, is pivotally connected to the link of thesignal (Figs. 4, 6 and 7). The said pivotal connection is effected bymeans of a bearing pin ||0 carried by the angularly turned end of lever|08 and the bearing pin extends through a suitable aperture in the link95 and a cotter pin or the like inserted in the transverse aperture I2in bearing |0 prevents separation of the link 95 and lever |08. Thesignal is weighted so that it will return, under the influence ofgravity, to its normal position, in which the red panels are disposed atthe windows in the device, a position signalling improper parking of avehicle. The pin |01 is so positioned on the segmental gear, that insetting the indicator to initial position in actuating the device, thepin will actuate the lever for moving the signals so the white signalpanels are disposed adjacent the windows. A pin I3 on the lever will bereceived by a spring actuated catch ||4 to hold the white signal panelsinto position until released upon expiration of allotted parking time,as more particularly noted hereinafter, the catch then controllingrelease of the signals so they may move under the influence of theweight associated therewith, for returning the Signals to normalposition.

The pin ||3 carried by lever |08 is angular in cross-section, and isadapted to cooperate with a hook-like catch or holding member ||4 (seealso Figs. 6 and 8). The catch |4 is pivotally mounted between the frontframe plate 1| and an intermediate plate ||5 carried by the metermechanism frame. The catch |4 is secured to a shaft H6, looselyjournaled in the frame plates 1| and ||5. Also secured to said shaft ||6is an arm |1 carrying a pin I |8. The pin extends through an opening 300in the frame plate 1| (see Fig. 4) and is acted upon by a lug ||9 of thetime adjustment plate 20 upon the indicator 9| reaching a point denotingthe expiration of an allotted parking period. The associated arm ||1 andcatch ||4 are then lifted to release pin 3 and permit upward movement ofarm ||0 and a consequent return of the red signals to signallingposition, as appears more fully below. Plate |20 may be adjustedarcuately upon the shaft |09, to which shaft (Fig. 6) the indicator 9|and segmental gear |06 are fixed, in order to set the device fordifferent parking periods, twenty minutes, as in front of banks, or onehour, as in most places where the meters would be located. Theadjustment of the plate |20 is effected by means of an arcuate slot |2|in the plate |20, through which a set screw |22 extends, the set screwbeing threaded into a collar |23 secured to shaft |09. Suitablegraduations |24 on the frame plate, co-

52 operate withl pointer or index linger on the adjustment plate |20',to mark the setting of the time interval between movement of the signalsfrom abnormal or operating position, v(prope: parking of a vehicle), atwhich time the White panels are disposed at the Windows, Ato normal ornon-operating position (improper parking of Vthe vehicle), at. whichtime the red panels are so exposed or positioned.

The pin H8 (Figs. 6 and v8') is actuated by the lug H9 for turning thecatch 'l i4 on its axis, for releasing the pin H3, thus freeing thelever and the signalsA to respond to the gravity influence of theweighted signals. The spring |25, yieldingly holds the catch in positionto receive and hold the pin H3. The spring also yieldingly urges the pinH8 toward the lug H9. The pin H8 and catch H4 are so related to oneanother and to the pin H3 and the lug H9, that only a limited arcuatemovement of the catch and pin H8 is possible before one or the other ofsaid members' H4 and H8 contact either the pin H3 or lug H9. Movement ofindicator 9| to an initial position is had through the action oi' thecoil spring |21 and collar |28 mounted on shaft |539 to which indicator9| and vits gear |06 are rigidly secured. This resetting of theindicator under spring action is permitted by the free turning of gears|63 and 99 when the idler gear [0| is lifted, incident to initiatingoperation of the meter mechanism. Any suitable arrangement for attainingthe indicated function may be employed. As shown herein, the coil spring|21 has its one end secured to shaft |59 (see Fig. 6) and its other endis anchored to the frame plate 'H by means of a pin |39. The spring |21is Wound or tensioned as the indicator is moved at timing rate under the'influence of the main spring motor 96, acting through the gear train|93, |55 and gear segment |05.

The idler gear ||J| (see Figs. 6 and 8) is the instrumentality whichlocks or joins the spring motor power train and the various parts,including the indicator 9|', and which parts are interrelated andinterdependent as previously explained. When the idler gear is releasedfrom its normal function of joining the gears 98 and 99, the indicatormay be manually moved back and forth as desired in adjusting the device,and consequently, when, in the intended functioning of the device, theidler gear is moved to release or inoperative position, the indicator isfree to respond to the action of the spring |2'l and to cause suchcoaction of the various other parts, that the clock mechanism isrendered operative, the signals are actuated, etc., wherefore, the meteris set in operation for its intended purpose or function of timing theparking period for which a person is obliged to insert a proper coininto the device.

Momentary release of the idler gear is sufficient to accomplish theindicated conditioning of the device.

The release of the idler is accomplished by releasing the lever |132(see also Figs. 4 and 5), so the force of the spring motor, operatingthrough gear 98, will force the idler gear away from the gears 98 and99, thus freeing the gear 98 and permitting the spring l 21 to move theindicator and initiates operation of the escapement, as previouslyexplained.

Returning now to a fuller discussion of the signals and 66 of ourdevice, attention is directed to Fig. 7 in which is shown a view ofparts observed when looking at the right hand end of the structurevshown in Fig. 4. The panels 88 and '9U of signals 65 and 66.respectively are red, while panels 81 and i90 `are white, for example.White panels. 81 or Sli are disposed as shown in Fig. '1, when thepartsare in abnormal or operating position, as the meter is operatingfor measuring the period vof parking time. As such time, it isfseen thatthese panels are disposed in vertical position adjacent the Windows v|53and 64 respectively. Both red. and white panels have identicalcalibrations `for identical cooperation with the indicator fingers 92and V93. The meter is preferably so set that `upon expiration of Vthetime limit, the red signal lpanels `83 and 89 `displace the panels 8'!vand 90, respectively, however, the clock mechanism continues. -to-operate for an additional period of time or allowed overtime period,for example, ten minutes, as shown herein. This arrangement defeats thecomplaint that the user of a parking space might offer to ,an arrestingoiiicer to the effect that .the vtime limit had just expired and thatthe user had no opportunity of moving his vehicle or of purchasing moreparking time.

The panels B5 and d!! are xedly mounted on a pair of spaced brackets52d, xedly mounted on shaft or axle .86. The panels 8l and89 arepivotally attached to the lower edges of panels 38 and respectively. Thelower edges of panels 81 and 89 are pivotally connected to the lower.ends of links 52| and 522 respectively. The upper ends of links 52| and522'arepivotally attached to opposite ends of bracket '523, fixed tobracket 85 (see Fig. 4). A stop pin 524 (see Fig. 7), carried by bracket523, serves as an abutment against one of the brackets 520 may contact,when the signal is released to respond to theaction oi gravity upon theweight 525 associated with the signal.

As Ypanel S8 is raised and panel El!) is lowered through tilting ofsupport 52! by pulling of link 95, panel `8l is lifted into View in theposition previously occupied by vpanel 88, and the panel 89 is swungoutof View permitting its previous position to be occupied by panel Sil.Panels 8l and 89, of course, are directly moved by the rigidly supportedpanels 88 and 90, respectively, from which they hingedly depend. Thelower edges of panels 81 and yare properly positioned through thesupporting links 52| .and 522, respectively. Thusas support 52B istilted back and forth under the action of the weight 525 .and link 55,panels 38 and 81 are brought Yinto and out of View on one side of themeter-and panels 89 and 9% are respectively brought into and out of viewon the other side of the meter.

The links (52| and 522, panels 81, 88, .89 and 9B, and the various partscooperating therewith are so proportioned and related that all thepanels may .assume vertical positions and the panels S1 and 89 may bothassume horizontal positions in substantially the same plane, withoutinterference with other parts of 'the device.

Summarizing the operation of our device, attention is particularlydirected to Fig. 8, wherein is `illustrated the particular relationshipof certain working .parts of the meter at the expiration of apredetermined parking period. It must be noted that indicator S2 is inextreme right position and with coil spring |21 wound tight on shaftits. The clocking mechanism is locked from' operation by lever |3l'pressing escapement 32 into engagement with one of the pallets ofescapement wheel L33; lthe lever 13| at the same time holding pendulum|35 in unbalanced position. It is .to be noted 'further .that catch IId, and pin l E3 on lever maare disengaged and the signalling mechanismattached to bearing pin .il t through link 75 (Fig. 7) 'hasiallen bygravity to .lift the link and rotate lever |08 in a clockwise directionabout shaft |09. At this time, the red panels 88 and 89 of thesignalling mechanism are exposed to view in windows 93 and 54 of themeter casing.

Clocking of a predetermined parking period is initiated from the meterposition just described by inserting a suitable coin 203 in the meter'coin slot. As the coin is forced through coin slot |14 by the coin doormechanism, it contacts arm lili of floating trigger |82, causing thetrigger to move rearwardly and upwardly against spring tension. Whilethe coin door is open, lug 228 on the door is displaced to engageportion 221 of lever 225, thereby locking shaft |46 against rotationduring upward movement of the trigger1 |82. During the rearward andupward trigger movement, trigger stud |91 contacts face 204 of pivotallymounted gate 20|, forcing catch member 298 into engagement with holdingpawl 2|0 pivotally mounted on the rear wall of block |11. Chamferedlower arm 202 of gate 29| accordingly is held above the base |99 of coinchamber |15, thus providing a lateral abutment for preventing lateraldischarge of the coin from thechamber. The coin finally passes in thespace between trigger arms |88 and |9|. The trigger then moves forwardlyunder spring action, following the curvature of the coin. Meanwhile, thecoin door closes and lug 228 accordingly is displaced over portion 226of lever 225, thereby permitting limited rotation of shaft |46. At thistime, stud |91 of the trigger raises arm 224 of lever fli to turn shaft|46 in a clockwise direction.

Upon rotation of shaft |46, sprinf pressed lever |45 loosely mounted onshaft |45, is depressed by lug |48 of arm |41. Pin |43 on lever 02,accordingly, is released, and idler gear 40E is moved back and out ofengagement with gears 98 and 99 These two gears then are freed torelative movement and spring |21 drives pointer 9| to the left, as seenin the drawing, whereupon shaft segmental gear |06, gears |03 and 98,and shaft are rotated, while gear 99 and gear idle on the shaft.

As pointer 92 rotates to the left, arm 59 iizaed to shaft |09 strikespin |55 of detent 2i2, thereby moving pawl 2| 0 and releasing catch 209of gate The gate 20| then returns to normal position and the coin fallslaterally from coin chamber |15 and into the coin chamber 333 to aposition before window 33 The timing adjustment plate |29 (see also Fig.4) also turns with shaft |09 and lug H9 moves away from pin I8permitting catch l le to rotate in a clockwise direction, as seen in thedrawing, under spring action to contact pin |53. When pointer 9|approaches its extreme left position, pin |01 on the segmental gear |96strikes the right end of lever |08, causing the lever to rotate in acounterclockwise direction about shaft |93. By this movement, link 95 ispulled down (see Fig. 7) and the white panels 65 and 66 of thesignalling mechanism are exposed to view in windows 63 and 64 of themeter casing, as more particularly indicated above. Latch I4 then movesover pin ||3 to lock the white signals in position.

When pointer 9| reaches its extreme lei t position as seen in Fig. 8, aportion of the pointer (see also Fig. 4) strikes lever |3| of theescapement looking mechanism moving the lower end |34 of the lever awayfrom escapement member |32 and into the detent |36. Pendulum 35, whichas previously noted was held off-center, starts the clockwork motor. Atthis time, gear |0| on arm |02 has moved by gravity to engage gears 98and 99 and the clockwork mechanism operating through gears |04, 99, 0|,98 and segmental gear |06, drives the pointer 9| to the right tocommence the timing operation.

When the allotted timing period has expired, and pointer 9| again is atextreme right position, as shown in Fig. 8, lug ||9 rotating with shaft|09, contacts pin ||8 causing catch ||4 to release the pin ||3,whereupon the red signals 88 and 89 come to view in windows 63 and 64 ofthe meter casing, as explained hereinbefore. Lug |9 forces pin ||8upward and detent |36 of lever |29 is raised, whereupon the lower end|34 of lever |3| moving under the tension of spring |31, forcesescapement member |32 into engagement with one of the pallets ofescapement wheel |33 to stop the clockwork, the pendulum |35 at the sametime being locked in unbalanced position.

When the device is tripped by insertion of a coin into the coin slotduring the clocking of a predetermined period, operation is the same asoutlined above, except, of course. the white signals and theircontrolling lever |08, remain undisturbed and the clockwork continues torun while pointer 9| returns to initial left-hand position.

As many possible embod-iments may be made of our invention and as manychanges may be made in the embodiment hereinbefore set forth, it is tobe understood that all matter described herein, or shown in theaccompanying drawings, is to be interpreted as illustrative and not as alimitation.

We claim:

1. In a parking meter, the combination with a. movably controlledindicator linger, of a pair of dissimilarly colored movable panelsselectively movable adjacent the nger and having corresponding legendsor factors for cooperating in similar manner with the indicator finger,Whereby the iinger may indicate identical factors on both panels, andmetering means for operating the ringer along said panels and forcontrolling selective positioning of the panels adjacent the nger.

2. In a parking meter, a pointer movable at timing rate, a pair ofhorizontally hinged panels selectively movable adjacent said pointer,and means vertically moving said panels upon setting said pointer to itsinitial timing position and placing said pointer and one panel incooperation and reversing movement of said panels and placing pointerand other panel in cooperation upon expiration of a prescribed timingperiod.

3. In a parking meter, a pointer movable at timing rate, a pair ofhorizontally hinged panels selectively movable adjacent said pointer,means vertically moving said panels upon setting said pointer to itsinitial timing position and placing pointer and one panel incooperation, means latching said moving means, and means releasing saidlatching means and reversing movement of said panels and placing pointerand other panel in cooperation upon expiration of a predetermined timingperiod.

4. In a parking meter, pivotally mounted pointer means having a pinadjacent the pivot thereof and an adjustable auxiliary pointer coaxiallytherewith, a pair of horizontally mounted panels selectively movableadjacent the indicating end of said pointer means, means contacted bythe pin of said pointer means in setting the same and rotating saidpanels about their axis and placing one panel in cooperation with theindicating end of the pointer means,

means latching said pin-contacted means, and means actuated by theadjustable auxiliary pointer releasing said latching means and reversingmovement of said panels and placing the other panel in cooperation withthe indicating end of the pointer means upon said pointer means havingreached a predetermined position in its travel.

5. In a parking meter, forked pointer means movable at timing rate, twopair of panels horizontally mounted within the confines of the forkedportion of said pointer means and with one pair selectively movableadjacent one forked prong and the other pair movable adjacent the otherprong, and means lifting one pair of panels and dropping the other pairupon setting said pointer means to its initial position thereby placingthe lower panel of the one pair in cooperation with one prong of saidpointer means and placing the upper panel of the other pair incooperation with the other prong of said pointer means,

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,739,285 Boyce Dec. 10, 19291,752,071 Doyle Mar. 25, 1930 1,757,949 Schlaich May 6, 1930 2,078,136Gumm Apr. 20, 1937 2,088,300 Magee July 27, 1937 2,198,422 Woodruff etal Apr. 23, 1940

